No, a cork cell does not have a nucleus.
Cork cells, famous for being the first cells observed under a microscope, are actually dead plant cells. This observation was made by Robert Hooke. Because they are dead, they lack many of the organelles found in living cells, including the nucleus, which contains the cell's genetic material.
| Feature | Cork Cell | Living Plant Cell |
|---|---|---|
| Nucleus | Absent | Present |
| Living or Dead | Dead | Living |
| Function | Protection, Insulation | Various functions |
| Observer | Robert Hooke | - |
Because cork cells have been stripped of their cell contents through programmed cell death, they are well-suited to provide strong, waterproof insulation in plant tissues, such as bark.
